Expandable Bags, Carrying Cases, and Luggage Systems

ABSTRACT

A bag has a frame with a lip disposed about a periphery of the frame. The frame has an outer panel and an extension that couples the outer panel to the frame. The extension is configured to have an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The extension extends laterally outward beyond the lip of the frame when the extension is in the expanded configuration, and the extension resides laterally inward of the lip of the frame when the extension is in the collapsed configuration. A first magnet is disposed at an end surface of the outer panel. A second magnet is disposed at an inner surface of the frame. The first magnet is configured to magnetically couple to the second magnet when the extension member is in the collapsed configuration. The extension further comprises a hinge.

This non-provisional utility patent application claims priority from provisional application 62/207,637 filed Aug. 20, 2015 by same inventor Peter Chin, under the same title Expandable Bags, Carrying Cases, and Luggage Systems, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This non-provisional utility patent application also claims priority from provisional application 62/196,265 filed Jul. 23, 2015 by same inventor Peter Chin, under the same title Expandable Bags, Carrying Cases, and Luggage Systems, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to bags, carrying cases and luggage systems.

Description of the Related Art

Bags or carrying cases are a handy way to transport items. Bags having shoulder straps are convenient because the user's hands may remain free while the bag is being carried. The carrying needs of the user may change, with the user requiring a bag with more or less carrying capacity. For example, in the case of a messenger bag or briefcase, the carrying needs of the user may change between individual parts of a trip. Sleek and low-profile bags are chic but have a limited carrying capacity. Bags with large carrying capacities may be bulky or appear less fashionable. Current bags with expandable capacity typically utilize zippers, buttons or the like to deploy hidden compartments. However, zippers and buttons detract from the aesthetics and sleek appearance of certain bags such as messenger bags. Thus, existing bags or carrying cases often require a user to compromise between fashion and utility.

As mentioned above, bags and carrying cases such as a messenger bag may be worn over the shoulder and used to carry items from one place to another. The user may need to carry more or less items on different parts of the user's trip. A bag having a large carrying capacity may be needed only briefly. Messenger bags having a sleek, low-profile look are chic and elegant but may not accommodate all the carrying needs of the user. Zippers and other conventional methods of expanding the capacity of bags would detract the sleek aesthetic appeal of messenger bags and other carrying cases. What is needed is a bag or carrying case that can be compacted into a low-profile design when the user does not need a large carrying capacity, thereby giving the bag a sleek look.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A bag having an expansion member configured to reversibly expand an outer panel away from a central frame of the bag is provided. The expansion member can assume a collapsed configuration whereby the outer panel is pulled flush with the central frame and gives the bag a sleek look. The expansion member can assume an expanded configuration whereby the outer panel extends away from the central frame, thereby increasing the carrying capacity of the bag.

Certain embodiments described herein are directed to bags, carrying cases, and luggage systems for adjusting carrying capacity to a user's needs. However, it will be appreciated that apparatuses and systems described herein encompass a wide variety of bags, carrying cases, luggage systems including but not limited to suitcases, carry-ons, totes, messenger bags, laptop bags, backpacks, handbags, briefcases, carrying cases for electronic devices, and bags in general. Moreover, the systems and apparatuses may have application to other fields. In some embodiments, the systems may be used for the storage of tools, electronics, medical supplies, photography equipment and other items.

A bag has a frame with a lip disposed about a periphery of the frame. The frame has an outer panel and an extension that couples the outer panel to the frame. The extension is configured to have an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The extension extends laterally outward beyond the lip of the frame when the extension is in the expanded configuration, and the extension resides laterally inward of the lip of the frame when the extension is in the collapsed configuration. A first magnet is disposed at an end surface of the outer panel. A second magnet is disposed at an inner surface of the frame. The first magnet is configured to magnetically couple to the second magnet when the extension member is in the collapsed configuration. The extension further comprises a hinge. The hinge is configured to pull the outer panel flush with the lip of the frame when the extension is in the collapsed configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages will now be described in connection with certain embodiments, in reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. The following are brief descriptions of the drawings.

FIG. 1A depicts an embodiment of a bag in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 1B depicts an embodiment of the bag shown in FIG. 1A in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 1C is a side view of the embodiment of the bag shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the bag in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 3A is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bag having magnets, the bag being shown in the expanded configuration.

FIG. 3B is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the bag depicted in FIG. 3A when the bag is in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bag having magnets attached to the extension member, the bag being shown in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a bag having magnets attached to the extension member, the bag being shown in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a bag having magnets attached to the extension member, the bag being shown in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 7A is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bag having an extension member that includes a hinge, the bag being shown in the extended configuration.

FIG. 7B is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7A, the bag being shown in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 8A is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a bag having an extension member that includes a hinge, the bag being shown in the extended configuration.

FIG. 8B is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8A, the bag being shown in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 9A shows a back-pack embodiment of the present bag in the expanded configuration.

FIG. 9B shows the embodiment of the bag shown in FIG. 9A in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 10 is a partial view of a bag of another embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a side view of a bag of another embodiment in the expanded configuration.

FIG. 11B is a side view of the bag shown in FIG. 11A in the collapsed configuration.

The following call out list of elements can be a useful guide in referencing the elements of the drawings.

100 Expandable Bag

102 Expandable Portion

104 Frame

106 Extension

110 Outer Panel

112 Inner Panel

114 Bottom Edge

120 Strap

122 Lip

124 Magnet

126 Recess

132 Distal end

136 Proximal End

140 Internal Surface

142 Gap

146 Hinge

150 Proximal Portion

152 Distal Portion

154 Proximal Hinge

160 Closure

162 Flap

164 Mouth

176 Shoulder Straps

178 Medial Panel

200 Bag

202 Expanded Configuration

204 Retracted Configuration

206 Separable Section

208 Separable Section

210 First Magnet

212 Second Magnet

220 Slight Angle

284 Front Panel

288 Back Panel

302 Inner Frame

304 Outer Frame

320 Exterior Surface

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is now directed to certain specific embodiments of the disclosure. In this description, reference is made to the figures wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout the description and the drawings. Described below are various embodiments of an expandable bag for adjusting to the carrying needs of the user. In some aspects, the present disclosure is directed to low-profile messenger bags or backpacks that compact to a sleek design when a large carrying capacity is unneeded by the user.

FIG. 1 A depicts a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of an expandable bag 100 having an expandable portion 102 that can reversibly extend from a frame 104 of the bag 100. As discussed in more detail below, the expandable portion 102 can be formed by an extension 106 that may connect an outer panel 110 of the bag 100 to the frame 104. The bag 100 may include more than one expandable portions 102. For example, the bag 100 can include an expandable portion 102 on an outer panel 110 of the bag 100 and a second expandable portion (not shown) on an inner panel 112 of the bag 100. Additionally and alternatively, the bag 100 may include a plurality nested expandable portions 102. For example, the bag 100 may include a first expandable portion 102 on an outer panel 110 of the bag 100 and a second expandable portion (not shown) that extends from the outer panel 110 of the bag 100. The outer panel 110 of the bag 100 can be a rigid or resiliently flexible rectangular member such as a plank formed on the extension 106, such as by inserting a plank formed as a rectangular high density polyethylene sheet into a plank pocket to form the outer panel 110.

The bag 100 may include a plurality of extensions 106. The plurality of extensions 106 can be configured to be independently deployed from one another. For example, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1A shows a bag 100 having an extension 106 deployed along a bottom edge 114 of the bag 100. Additionally and alternatively, the bag 100 can include an extension 106 that can be deployed along a top edge 116 of the bag 100. The bag 100 can include an extension 106 along a top edge 116 of the bag 100 and an extension along the bottom edge 114 of the bag, with either extension 106 being adapted to be deployed independent of the other extension 106.

The bag 100 may include a strap 120. Additionally and alternatively, the bag 100 may have no strap 120 or the bag 100 may have more than one straps 120. The strap 120 can be connected to the frame 104 of the bag. Additionally and alternatively, the strap 120 may be connected to the bag 100 at a location other than the frame 104 (e.g., the outer panel 110).

FIG. 1B shows the embodiment of the bag 100 depicted in FIG. 1A in the collapsed configuration of the bag 100. As shown, in the collapsed configuration, the outer panel 110 may lie close to a lip 122 of the frame 104. The outer panel 110 may extend laterally beyond the lip 122 when the bag 100 is in the collapsed configuration. Alternatively, the lip 122 may extend laterally beyond the outer panel 110 when the bag is in the collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, the outer panel 110 is substantially flush with the lip 122 when the bag 100 is in the collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, when the bag is in the collapsed configuration, the outer panel 110 is aligned with the bottom edge 114 in a manner such that the outer panel 110 forms a seemingly continuous surface with the bottom edge 114.

FIG. 1C shows a side view of the embodiment of the bag 100 depicted in FIG. 1A. The bag 100 can include a closure 160 configured to control access to the interior of the bag 100. The closure 160 can be a flap 162 that folds over a mouth 164 of the bag 100. The closure depicted in FIG. 1C is illustrative and not to be taken as limiting. Access to the bag can be through other means such as hidden zippers, Velcro, snaps, buckles, and other means known in the art.

Additionally and alternatively, the bag 100 may include fasteners (not shown) that allow the mouth 164 of the bag 100 to be opened or closed. The bag 100 may include a divider 162. The divider 162 can attach to the frame 104 or to another feature of the bag 100. The divider 162 may divide the interior of the bag 100 into different compartments. The divider 162 may separate an expansion compartment 166 from a frame compartment 168. The bag may include multiple dividers 162. The divider 162 may be made from an elastic fabric such as spandex. The divider 162 may be made from a material including cotton, nylon, polyester, or other material.

FIG. 2 depicts a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the bag 100 viewed in cross-section. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 shows in greater detail the mechanism in which the bag can be expanded and retracted. As shown in FIG. 2, the mechanism utilizes magnets 124 a, b to retain at least a portion of the outer panel 110 within the lip 122 of the frame 104 when the bag 100 is in the collapsed configuration. However, as discussed below, the outer panel 110 may be retained within the lip 122 by other methods in addition to, or instead of, using the magnets 124 a, b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the outer panel 110 can be coupled to the frame 104 by an extension 106. The extension 106 can be made of a material such as nylon, cotton, polyester, silicone, spandex, or other suitable material. The frame 104 can be made of foam, plastic, metal, or other suitable material. The frame 104 can include a recess 126 a configured to receive and retain a magnet 124 a. The outer panel 110 can include a recess 126 b configured to receive and retain a magnet 124 b. The recesses 126 a, b can be configured so that the magnets 124 a, b align with one another when a lateral surface 130 of the outer panel 110 is flush with the lip 122 of the frame 104. The recesses 126 a, b can be configured so that the lateral surface 130 is proud or recessed relative to the lip 122 of the frame 104 when the bag 100 is in the collapsed configuration. The extension 106 can have a distal end 132 that couples to an inner surface 134 of the outer panel 110. The extension 106 can have a proximal end 136 that couples to an internal surface 140 of the frame 104.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the magnets 124 a, b can be configured to magnetically interact with one another when the bag 100 is in the collapsed configuration, thereby retaining the outer panel 110 within the frame 104 and giving the bag 100 a sleek look. As FIG. 2 shows, the magnets 124 a, b can be separated by a gap 142 that is formed between an end surface 144 of the outer panel 110 and the internal surface 140 of the frame 104. However, in some embodiments the magnets 124 a, b will be configured so that no gap 142 is formed between the end surface 144 and the internal surface 140 of the frame 142.

FIG. 3A depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of bag 100 when the bag 100 is in the expanded configuration. FIG. 3B shows the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3A when the bag 100 is in the collapsed configuration. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the proximal end 136 of the extension 106 can couple to a portion of the frame 104 that is laterally outward from the magnet 124 a. Additionally and alternatively, the distal end 132 of the extension may couple to a portion of the outer panel 110 that is laterally outward of the magnet 124 b (as shown in FIG. 4). Accordingly, in some embodiments the extension 106 may extend through at least a portion of the gap 142 and be pinched between the magnets 124 a, b when the bag 100 is in the collapsed configuration. In other words, the extension 106 may either not pass, pass once, or pass more than once between the magnets 124 a, b when the bag 100 is in the collapsed configuration.

The present disclosure encompasses many different placements of the magnets. For example, additionally and alternatively, one or more magnets 124 c, d may be located on the extension 106. FIG. 4 shows that the bag 100 can have magnets 124 c, d on the extension 106. The magnets 124 c, d on the extension 106 can be configured to magnetically couple to the magnets 124 a, b that are attached to the frame 104 and the outer panel 110. The gap 142 has been exaggerated in FIG. 4 for illustrative purposes. However, any, all, or none of the magnets 124 a-d can be recessed in order to eliminate or minimize the gap 142.

FIG. 5 shows the extension 106 of the bag 100 can include magnets 124 c, d that are configured to magnetically couple with one another. The magnets 124 c, d may be located on opposite faces of the extension 106. The extension 106 may run between the magnets 124 c, d.

FIG. 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of the bag 100 having magnets 124 c, d on the extension 106 that can be configured to magnetically couple to magnets 124 a, b on the frame and the outer panel 110.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an embodiment of the bag 100 having an extension 106 that includes a hinge 146. The hinge 146 can be configured to snap open when the bag 100 is in the expanded configuration (see FIG. 7A) and to snap shut when the bag 100 is in the collapsed configuration (see FIG. 7B). The hinge 146 can be interposed between a proximal portion 150 and a distal portion 152 of the extension 106. The hinge 146 can be a living hinge formed of an elastically deformable material (e.g., silicone). The hinge 146 can be formed as a thin section of material interposed between the proximal and distal portions of the extension 106, thereby biasing the hinge 146 to buckle between an open and shut configuration. The bag 100 can have an extension 106 that includes a plurality of hinges 146. For example, the bag 100 may have a proximal hinge 154 positioned close to the frame 104 and configured to help pull the outer panel 110 flush to the frame 104.

The present disclosure includes combinations of the aspects herein disclosed. For example, FIGS. 8A and 8B show that an embodiment of the bag 100 may include both a hinge 146 and magnets 124 a, b. FIG. 8A depicts a cross-sectional view of the bag 100 in the expanded configuration. FIG. 8B shows the embodiment of FIG. 8A when the bag 100 is in the collapsed configuration.

The present disclosure can be applied to bags 100 having other configurations other than an over the shoulder tote or cross-body messenger bag. For example, the present disclosure can include duffle bags, backpacks, suitcases, totes, satchels, and other configurations of bags. FIG. 9A illustrates a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a bag 100 configured to be worn as a backpack. The bag 100 can include a pair of shoulder straps 176 attached to a medial panel 178 of the bag. The extension 106 can be configured to extend a back panel 180 laterally away from the frame 104. FIG. 9B shows the embodiment of the bag 100 depicted in FIG. 9A when the bag 100 is in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 10 provides schematic partial illustrations of expanded 202 and retracted 204 configurations of a bag 200 according to another embodiment. The lower frame 204 of the bag 200 comprises two separable sections 206, 208. A first magnet 210 is attached to an upper surface of one of the sections 206, and a second magnet 212 is attached to a lower surface of the other one of the sections 208. The first section 206 of the lower frame may be connected to the back panel 288 and the second section 208 may be connected to the front panel 284. The bag 200 may be stitched at a slight angle 220 and act as a guide to help retract. In the retracted configuration 204, the second section 208 of the lower frame is slid over the first section 206 and secured in place by the two magnets 210, 212.

FIG. 11B depicts the embodiment of the bag 100 shown in FIG. 11A in the collapsed configuration. In the collapsed configuration, inner frame 302 can nest inside the outer frame 304, and panel 308 can fold into an interior space of the bag 100. The inner frame 302 may nest inside the outer frame 304 in a manner such that the exterior surface 320 of the bag 100 is flush with the edges of the outer frame 304 which creates a sleek and streamlined appearance when the bag is in the collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, one or more coupling devices or guides are positioned in the interior of the bag to facilitate alignment of the exterior surface 320 of the bag 100 with the edges of the outer frame 304. In some embodiments, the bag 100 has more than one expandable portions.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

The terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees.

Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the figures are not drawn to scale. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognized that any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, the scope of any and all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated by those in the art based on the present disclosure. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. Further, the actions of the disclosed processes and methods may be modified in any manner, including by reordering actions and/or inserting additional actions and/or deleting actions. It is intended, therefore, that the specification and examples be considered as illustrative only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the claims and their full scope of equivalents. 

1. A bag comprising: a frame having a lip disposed about a periphery of the frame; an outer panel; and an extension that couples the outer panel to the frame, the extension being configured to assume an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, wherein the extension extends laterally outward beyond the lip of the frame when the extension is in the expanded configuration, and wherein the extension resides laterally inward of the lip of the frame when the extension is in the collapsed configuration.
 2. The bag of claim 1, further comprising: a first magnet disposed at an end surface of the outer panel; and a second magnet disposed at an inner surface of the frame.
 3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first magnet is configured to magnetically couple to the second magnet when the extension member is in the collapsed configuration.
 4. The bag of claim 1, wherein the extension further comprises a hinge.
 5. The bag of claim 4, wherein the hinge is configured to pull the outer panel flush with the lip of the frame when the extension is in the collapsed configuration.
 6. The bag of claim 5, wherein the first magnet is configured to magnetically couple to the second magnet when the extension member is in the collapsed configuration.
 7. The bag of claim 6, further including a strap, wherein the strap is connected to the frame of the bag and to the extension, wherein the strap retains the extension to the frame when the extension member is in the expanded configuration.
 8. The bag of claim 5, wherein the outer panel is formed as a rigid or resiliently flexible member. 